Thyroid Hormone Profile and Its Prognostic Impact on the Coronavirus Disease 2019 in Korean Patients

Background@#Data on the association between coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and thyroid have been reported, including overt thyrotoxicosis and suppression of thyroid function. We aimed to evaluate the thyroid hormone profile and its association with the prognosis of COVID-19 in Korean patients. @*Methods@#The clinical data of 119 patients with COVID-19, admitted in the Myongji Hospital, Goyang, South Korea, were retrospectively evaluated. The thyroid hormone profiles were analyzed and compared based on disease severity (non-severe disease vs. severe to critical disease). Clinical outcomes were analyzed according to the tertiles of thyroid hormones. @*Results@#Of the 119 patients, 76 (63.9%) were euthyroid, and none presented with overt thyroid dysfunction. Non-thyroidal illness syndrome was the most common manifestation (18.5%), followed by subclinical thyrotoxicosis (14.3%) among patients with thyroid dysfunction. Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and triiodothyronine (T3) levels were significantly lower in patients with severe to critical disease than in those with non-severe disease (P1.00 ng/mL) T3 tertiles (P<0.05). COVID-19 patients in the lowest T3 tertile were independently associated with mortality (hazard ratio, 5.27; 95% confidence interval, 1.09 to 25.32; P=0.038) compared with those in the highest T3 tertile. @*Conclusion@#Thyroid dysfunction is common in COVID-19 patients. Changes in serum TSH and T3 levels may be important markers of disease severity in COVID-19. Decreased T3 levels may have a prognostic significance in COVID-19 related outcome.

Thyroid Hormone Profile and Its Prognostic Impact on the Coronavirus Disease 2019 in Korean Patients

Background@#Data on the association between coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and thyroid have been reported, including overt thyrotoxicosis and suppression of thyroid function. We aimed to evaluate the thyroid hormone profile and its association with the prognosis of COVID-19 in Korean patients. @*Methods@#The clinical data of 119 patients with COVID-19, admitted in the Myongji Hospital, Goyang, South Korea, were retrospectively evaluated. The thyroid hormone profiles were analyzed and compared based on disease severity (non-severe disease vs. severe to critical disease). Clinical outcomes were analyzed according to the tertiles of thyroid hormones. @*Results@#Of the 119 patients, 76 (63.9%) were euthyroid, and none presented with overt thyroid dysfunction. Non-thyroidal illness syndrome was the most common manifestation (18.5%), followed by subclinical thyrotoxicosis (14.3%) among patients with thyroid dysfunction. Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and triiodothyronine (T3) levels were significantly lower in patients with severe to critical disease than in those with non-severe disease (P1.00 ng/mL) T3 tertiles (P<0.05). COVID-19 patients in the lowest T3 tertile were independently associated with mortality (hazard ratio, 5.27; 95% confidence interval, 1.09 to 25.32; P=0.038) compared with those in the highest T3 tertile. @*Conclusion@#Thyroid dysfunction is common in COVID-19 patients. Changes in serum TSH and T3 levels may be important markers of disease severity in COVID-19. Decreased T3 levels may have a prognostic significance in COVID-19 related outcome.

The Association of Overt and Subclinical Hyperthyroidism with the Risk of Cardiovascular Events and Cardiovascular Mortality: Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review of Cohort Studies

Background@#Whether hyperthyroidism is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events remains controversial. We aimed to evaluate the association of overt and subclinical hyperthyroidism with the risk of ischemic heart disease (IHD), stroke, heart failure, and cardiovascular mortality. @*Methods@#Studies regarding the association between hyperthyroidism and cardiovascular events were searched on PubMed and Embase databases. The cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk was classified as high and low, based on pre-existing diseases, including history of coronary, cerebral, or peripheral artery disease; heart failure; atrial fibrillation; diabetes mellitus; or chronic kidney disease. @*Results@#Thirty-seven cohort studies were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled hazard ratio for subjects with overt hyperthyroidism compared with the control group was 1.11 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03 to 1.19) for IHD, 1.35 (95% CI, 1.03 to 1.75) for stroke, and 1.20 (95% CI, 1.00 to 1.46) for cardiovascular mortality. For subjects with subclinical hyperthyroidism, the pooled hazard ratio was 1.24 (95% CI, 1.07 to 1.45) for IHD, when compared with the control group. Subgroup analysis by CVD risk showed that the risk of stroke in overt hyperthyroidism was increased in the low CVD risk group; however, these association was not observed in the high CVD risk group. Similarly, the risk of IHD in subjects with subclinical hyperthyroidism was significantly increased in the low CVD risk group. @*Conclusion@#Overt hyperthyroidism is associated with increased risk of IHD, stroke, and cardiovascular mortality, and subclinical hyperthyroidism is associated with increased risk of IHD. These associations were particularly observed in the low risk CVD group without underlying CVD.

The Association of Overt and Subclinical Hyperthyroidism with the Risk of Cardiovascular Events and Cardiovascular Mortality: Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review of Cohort Studies

Background@#Whether hyperthyroidism is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events remains controversial. We aimed to evaluate the association of overt and subclinical hyperthyroidism with the risk of ischemic heart disease (IHD), stroke, heart failure, and cardiovascular mortality. @*Methods@#Studies regarding the association between hyperthyroidism and cardiovascular events were searched on PubMed and Embase databases. The cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk was classified as high and low, based on pre-existing diseases, including history of coronary, cerebral, or peripheral artery disease; heart failure; atrial fibrillation; diabetes mellitus; or chronic kidney disease. @*Results@#Thirty-seven cohort studies were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled hazard ratio for subjects with overt hyperthyroidism compared with the control group was 1.11 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03 to 1.19) for IHD, 1.35 (95% CI, 1.03 to 1.75) for stroke, and 1.20 (95% CI, 1.00 to 1.46) for cardiovascular mortality. For subjects with subclinical hyperthyroidism, the pooled hazard ratio was 1.24 (95% CI, 1.07 to 1.45) for IHD, when compared with the control group. Subgroup analysis by CVD risk showed that the risk of stroke in overt hyperthyroidism was increased in the low CVD risk group; however, these association was not observed in the high CVD risk group. Similarly, the risk of IHD in subjects with subclinical hyperthyroidism was significantly increased in the low CVD risk group. @*Conclusion@#Overt hyperthyroidism is associated with increased risk of IHD, stroke, and cardiovascular mortality, and subclinical hyperthyroidism is associated with increased risk of IHD. These associations were particularly observed in the low risk CVD group without underlying CVD.

A Noisy Carbohydrate Addiction / 임상당뇨병

Carbohydrates are a primary source of energy and a major component of the structure of living things-; there are many different kinds. As eating behavior is a part of life, it was usually not described in addiction. However, sometimes it seems aspects of addiction. This eating behavior can also appear with regard to other food. A bio-psycho-social model is required for complex analysis of addiction. When highly addictive agents are excluded, we can usually identify a key factor related to the vulnerability of the individual to addictive behavior. Considering that every source of happiness can potentially lead to addictive behaviors, we need to be cautious about the controlling. Not every carbohydrate can be connected with addictive behavior. Addictive behavior could be associated with a variety of ingredients other than carbohydrates. Until recently, sweet substances were thought to be the primary culprit behind addictive behavior. It is necessary to identify the food component or other factors associated with a specific craving. A multidimensional approach to the psychology of addictive behaviors might be more useful than opposing carbohydrate consumption in general.

Economic Evaluation of Recombinant Human Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Stimulation vs. Thyroid Hormone Withdrawal Prior to Radioiodine Ablation for Thyroid Cancer: The Korean Perspective

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have suggested that recombinant human thyroid stimulating hormone (rhTSH) stimulation is an acceptable alternative to thyroid hormone withdrawal (THW) when radioiodine remnant ablation is planned for thyroid cancer treatment, based on superior short-term quality of life with non-inferior remnant ablation efficacy. This study evaluated the cost-effectiveness of radioiodine remnant ablation using rhTSH, compared with the traditional preparation method which renders patients hypothyroid by THW, in Korean perspective. METHODS: This economic evaluation considered the costs and benefits to the Korean public healthcare system. Clinical experts were surveyed regarding the current practice of radioiodine ablation in Korea and their responses helped inform assumptions used in a cost effectiveness model. Markov modelling with 17 weekly cycles was used to assess the incremental costs per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) associated with rhTSH. Clinical inputs were based on a multi-center, randomized controlled trial comparing remnant ablation success after rhTSH preparation with THW. The additional costs associated with rhTSH were considered relative to the clinical benefits and cost offsets. RESULTS: The additional benefits of rhTSH (0.036 QALY) are achieved with an additional cost of Korean won 961,105, equating to cost per QALY of 26,697,361. Sensitivity analyses had only a modest impact upon cost-effectiveness, with one-way sensitivity results of approximately 33,000,000/QALY. CONCLUSION: The use of rhTSH is a cost-effective alternative to endogenous hypothyroid stimulation prior to radioiodine ablation for patients who have undergone thyroidectomy in Korea.

Weight Changes in Patients with Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma during Postoperative Long-Term Follow-up under Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Suppression

BACKGROUND: There are limited data about whether patients who receive initial treatment for differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) gain or lose weight during long-term follow-up under thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) suppression. This study was aimed to evaluate whether DTC patients under TSH suppression experience long-term weight gain after initial treatment. We also examined the impact of the radioactive iodine ablation therapy (RAIT) preparation method on changes of weight, comparing thyroid hormone withdrawal (THW) and recombinant human TSH (rhTSH). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 700 DTC patients who underwent a total thyroidectomy followed by either RAIT and levothyroxine (T4) replacement or T4 replacement alone. The control group included 350 age-matched patients with benign thyroid nodules followed during same period. Anthropometric data were measured at baseline, 1 to 2 years, and 3 to 4 years after thyroidectomy. Comparisons were made between weight and body mass index (BMI) at baseline and follow-up. RESULTS: Significant gains in weight and BMI were observed 3 to 4 years after initial treatment for female DTC but not in male patients. These gains among female DTC patients were also significant compared to age-matched control. Women in the THW group gained a significant amount of weight and BMI compared to baseline, while there was no increase in weight or BMI in the rhTSH group. There were no changes in weight and BMI in men according to RAIT preparation methods. CONCLUSION: Female DTC patients showed significant gains in weight and BMI during long-term follow-up after initial treatment. These changes were seen only in patients who underwent THW for RAIT.

High Dietary Sodium Intake Assessed by 24-hour Urine Specimen Increase Urinary Calcium Excretion and Bone Resorption Marker

BACKGROUND: The average dietary sodium intake of Koreans is 2.6 times higher than the World Health Organization's recommended amount. The effect of a diet high in sodium on the skeletal system, especially osteoporosis, has not previously been examined in Korean postmenopausal women with low bone mass. We assessed the daily sodium intake, and determined the impact of sodium intake on urinary calcium excretion and bone resorption marker. METHODS: A retrospective review of medical records was performed for 86 postmenopausal subjects who were initially diagnosed with osteopenia or osteoporosis at the health promotion center. They were subsequently referred to the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism between 2010 and 2013. All subjects completed a modified food frequency questionnaire. Twenty-four hour urine collection for sodium, calcium and creatinine excretion, and serum C-terminal telopeptides of type I collagen (CTX-I) were also obtained. RESULTS: The average amount of daily sodium and calcium intake were 3,466 mg and 813 mg, respectively. Average dietary sodium intake and 24-hour urinary sodium excretion showed significant positive linear correlation (r=0.29, P=0.006). There was also a significant positive linear correlation between 24-hour urine sodium and calcium excretion (r=0.42, P<0.001); CTX-I and 24-hour urinary calcium excretion (r=0.29, P=0.007). CONCLUSIONS: Excessive sodium intake assessed by 24-hour urine specimen is associated with high calcium excretion in urine. High calcium excretion is also related to increasing bone resorption marker.

Frequency of RAS Mutations and PAX8/PPARgamma Rearrangement in Follicular Thyroid Tumors in Korea

BACKGROUND: Follicular thyroid tumors harbor several genetic alterations such as RAS mutations and PAX8/PPARgamma rearrangement. The aims of our study were to investigate the prevalence of RAS mutations and PAX8/PPARgamma rearrangement in follicular thyroid tumors and to correlate RAS mutations and/or PAX8/PPARgamma rearrangement with clinicopathologic features in Korean patients with follicular thyroid carcinomas. METHODS: RAS mutations were investigated by polymerase chain reaction and DNA sequencing in surgical specimens of 37 follicular thyroid carcinomas (FTCs) and 16 follicular thyroid adenomas (FTAs). PAX8/PPARgamma rearrangement was analyzed by fluorescent in situ hybridization in surgical specimens of 31 FTCs and 13 FTAs. RESULTS: RAS mutations were detected in 30% (11 of 37) of FTCs and 19% (three of 16) of FTAs. Three of 11 FTC patients with RAS mutations died of thyroid cancer, but none of the 26 FTC patients without RAS mutations. PAX8/PPARgamma rearrangement was found in 10% (three of 31) of FTCs, but in none of the 13 FTAs. All three FTC patients with PAX8/PPARgamma rearrangement remained in complete remission during follow-up. There were no FTC patients with both RAS mutations and PAX8/PPARgamma rearrangement. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of RAS mutations in our series of follicular tumors was similar to previous studies. The frequency of PAX8/PPARgamma rearrangements in our group of FTC was lower than previous western reports, but higher than Japanese reports. RAS mutations may be associated with hematogeneous metastasis and poor survival while PAX8/PPARgamma rearrangement may be related to more favorable prognosis in Korean patients with FTCs.

Usefulness of Measurement of Serum Iodine Level to Assess the Appropriate Low Iodine Diet Preparation / 대한갑상선학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Low-iodine diet (LID) is generally recommended prior to radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy to increase RAI uptake. Recently, we suggested spot urine iodine/creatinine (I/Cr) ratio as a good alternative method replacing measurement of 24 hr urine iodine excretion for the evaluation of appropriate LID preparation. In next step, we studied to evaluate the usefulness of serum iodine concentration comparing with urine iodine concentration and urine I/Cr ratio to assess LID preparation status. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We prospectively measured serum iodine concentration, spot urine iodine concentration, and urine I/Cr ratio in 419 patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma undergoing LID. Appropriate LID preparation was defined as urine I/Cr ratio less than 66.2 ug/gCr. RESULTS: There were significant correlations between serum iodine and the spot urine iodine concentrations or urine I/Cr ratio; the correlation coefficient was 0.51 for urine iodine concentration and 0.62 for I/Cr ratio (p<0.001). Calculated R2 after log-log transformation was 0.45 for I/Cr ratio. The cutoff value of serum iodine concentration was 20.4 ug/L (sensitivity 79.3%, specificity 81.5%) for the evaluation of appropriate LID. CONCLUSION: Measurement of serum iodine concentration may be useful as an adjunct parameter for assessing LID preparation, but its sensitivity and specificity were relatively low compared to the urine I/Cr ratio.

A Case of Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis that Improved with GM-CSF Inhalation Therapy / 대한내과학회지

Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) is a rare condition that is treated using whole lung lavage. A recent study suggested that granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) plays roles in both the pathogenesis and treatment of PAP. We present a 69-year-old man with PAP who deteriorated despite bilateral whole lung lavage; that said, his symptoms, chest X-ray findings, and pulmonary function test improved after GM-CSF inhalation therapy over 12 months. GM-CSF therapy is an effective treatment modality for PAP.

Deglutition Syncope Associated With Ventricular Asystole in a Patient With Permanent Atrial Fibrillation

Deglutition syncope is a situational syncope that is diagnosed only by a detailed history. We report deglutition syncope in a 62-year-old man, who had permanent atrial fibrillation. The patient had no structural or functional abnormalities of the esophagus. During syncopal attacks, his electrocardiography showed ventricular asystole that was sustained for 12 seconds. The patient was successfully treated by implantation of a permanent pacemaker.

A Case of Gastric Adenocarcinoma in a Patient with X-linked Agammaglobulinemia / 대한소화기내시경학회지

X-linked agammaglobulinemia is a common type of primary immunodeficiency disorder that's caused by mutation of the BTK gene. The absence of B lymphocytes and plasma cells causes recurrent infections. Patients with X-linked agammaglobulinemia also have a high risk for developing hematological malignancies and, to a lesser degree, carcinoma. We report here on a 26-years-old male patient who suffered with X-linked agammaglobulinemia that was caused by BTK gene mutation, and he developed a gastric cancer in the antrum. He was noted to have chronic atrophic gastritis and diffuse intestinal metaplasia on the endoscopic examination that was done 7 years previously. We recommend regular esophagogastroduodenoscopic evaluation for a patient with X-linked agammaglobulinemia in order to make an early diagnosis of stomach carcinoma.

Carcinoid Tumor Arising from A Normal Kidney: A Case Report

Primary carcinoid tumor of the kidney is a very rare disease. Until now, only 41 cases have been reported worldwide, and nine of these arose in a horseshoe kidney. In Korea, 3 cases have been reported to date, and all of these arose in a horseshoe kidney. We present a case of primary carcinoid tumor occurring in a normal kidney of a 45 year old man. A tumor was incidentally found close to the hilum of the left kidney. Histologically, the tumor exhibited trabecular and ribbon-like pattern of cuboidal or columnar cells. Mitotic activity was rarely seen. The tumor cells were positive for synaptophysin and chromogranin A. Numerous dense-core neurosecretary granules were observed by the electron microscopic examination. To our knowledge, the present case is the first report of primary renal carcinoid tumor arising in a normal kidney in Korea.